Systems and processes for transformation of construction drawings and visual tracking of data

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, the data visualization system imports and displays, on an electronic device (e.g., a tablet, desktop computing device, etc.), a representation of a construction drawing, or the like, of a project and corresponding one or more shapes. In one or more embodiments, the one or more shapes may represent an area of the construction drawing. In one or more embodiments, the data visualization system may track project completion and assign colors to the one or more shapes indicating work completion for those shapes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application. No. 62/952,671, filed on Dec. 23, 2019,and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFORMATION OF CONSTRUCTIONDRAWINGS AND VISUAL TRACKING OF DATA,” the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electronic construction drawing files tend to very large (many megabytesor gigabytes). Thus, it is challenging to review, annotate, and trackdata related to electronic construction drawings without powerfulcomputing devices. This can be especially challenging at a constructionsite, where a mobile or light-weight computing device and format (e.g.,at a construction site or the like) is advantageous.

Further, previous systems and methods for tracking project data (e.g.,for example labor and labor completion data) during construction orother similar projects may not allow for precise and accurate trackingof project completion throughout the project lifecycle, because ofissues regarding recording and standardization of project completiondata. The inability to precisely and accurately track project completionacross one or more subunits reduces labor efficiency and inhibitscontractor's ability to produce accurate estimates of labor cost.

Therefore, there is a long-felt but unresolved need for a system orprocess that transforms construction drawings and visually tracks datathroughout a project lifecycle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present systems and processes relate generally to transformingconstruction drawings and visually tracking data throughout a projectlifecycle. In various embodiments, the present systems and processesaddress input and standardization issues by increasing precision andaccuracy of project completion tracking. According to particularembodiments, the present systems and processes may be referred tocollectively as an electronic labor data visualization system or “thedata visualization system”, wherein the data visualization system mayprecisely and accurately track completion data across one or more taskzones (e.g., “shapes”) present in one or more construction drawingsand/or portions of construction drawings of a project.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system reduces projectcompletion tracking issues of previous systems and processes byincorporating novel methods and elements, which, in part, standardizecompletion data recording across one or more shapes (e.g., task areas)contained in one or more construction drawings of a project. In one ormore embodiments, the data visualization system may produce one or moreproject completion visualizations (e.g., on an electronic device)including one or more shapes and one or more construction drawings. Inat least one embodiment, the one or more visualizations may furtherinclude, but are not limited to: 1) project labor completion data, suchas times and physical measurements; 2) one or more specific layerassignments; 3) one or more specific coloring assignments correspondingto project completion data; and 4) one or more photos and/or images.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system may detect andtrack manipulations and/or interactions with the one or morevisualizations produced by the data visualization system to assessproject completion and update project completion data. In one or moreembodiments, the data visualization system may update project data andthe one or more project completion visualizations based on the updatedproject completion data. In at least one embodiment, the one or moreproject visualizations and other project data may be uploaded, via anapplication programming interface (“API”), by the data visualizationsystem to a storage database (e.g., located in a cloud environment or aphysical environment), wherein the uploaded visualizations and data maybe accessible to the user through the API and a corresponding webportal. In one embodiment, the API may be included in and be defined bythe system. In one or more embodiments, project visualizations and otherproject data may be formatted in a JavaScript™ Object Notation (JSON)format (e.g., for transmission and/or processing purposes). In at leastone embodiment, uploaded projected visualizations and other project datamay be received as one or more JSON payloads. In one or moreembodiments, shapes may be transferred into and/or from the datavisualization system as a collection of points and/or coordinates. In atleast one embodiment, after being transferred into the datavisualization system, the collection of points and/or coordinates may berendered using a coordinate system. In one embodiment, shapes may bedefined (e.g., drawn, input, etc.) using the data visualization systemand/or one or more systems operatively connected to the datavisualization system, and shape definitions (e.g., consisting of acollection of points, such as, for example, coordinates) may includeboth shape dimensions and shape metadata (e.g., for example, associatedlabor, tasks, materials, and other project information).

According to a first aspect, a process for data visualization including:receiving a JSON package including: a CAD drawing in an image format: atleast one shape and x-y coordinate data associated with a particularlocation of the at least one shape on the CAD drawing; metadataassociated with the at least one shape corresponding to one or moreproperties of the at least one shape; rendering the CAD drawing image ona display screen; rendering the at least one shape at the particularlocation on the CAD drawing image based at least in part on the x-ycoordinate data in a particular color; and in response to receiving anindication of work completed associated with the one or more propertiesof at least one shape, modifying the particular color of a portion ofthe at least one shape on the display screen.

According to a second aspect, the process of the first aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the particular color is associated with a firstlayer.

According to a third aspect, the process of the second aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the at least one shape is associated with a firstlayer of the CAD drawing.

According to a fourth aspect, the process of the third aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the JSON package includes a second shapeassociated with a second layer.

According to a fifth aspect, the process of the fourth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the process further includes rendering the secondshape on the display screen.

According to a sixth aspect, the process of the fifth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein rendering the second shape on the display screenincludes rendering the second shape in a second location on the CADdrawing image based at least in part on second x-y coordinate data.

According to a seventh aspect, the process of the sixth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second location on the CAD drawing is theparticular location.

According to an eighth aspect, the process of the seventh aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the process further includes rendering the atleast one shape and the second shape in a second color.

According to a ninth aspect, the process of the eighth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second color is not the particular color.

According to a tenth aspect, the process of the sixth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the second location on the CAD drawing isdifferent than the particular location.

According to an eleventh aspect, the process of the tenth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the process further includes rendering the atleast one shape in the particular color and the second shape in a secondcolor.

According to a twelfth aspect, the process of the first aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the process further includes receiving a selectionof the CAD drawing.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the process of the first aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the one or more properties of the at least oneshape include an amount of materials.

According to a fourteenth aspect, a system for data visualizationincluding: at least one processor in operative communication with one ormore servers, the at least one processor configured for: receiving aJSON package from the one or more servers, the JSON package including: aCAD drawing in an image format: at least one shape and x-y coordinatedata associated with a particular location of the at least one shape onethe CAD drawing; metadata associated with the at least one shapecorresponding to one or more properties of the at least one shape;rendering the CAD drawing image on a display screen; rendering the atleast one shape at the particular location on the CAD drawing imagebased at least in part on the x-y coordinate data in a particular color;and in response to receiving an indication of work completed associatedwith the one or more properties of at least one shape, modifying theparticular color of a portion of the at least one shape on the displayscreen.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the system of the fourteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the particular color is associated with afirst layer.

According to a sixteenth aspect, the system of the fifteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the at least one shape is associated with afirst layer of the CAD drawing.

According to a seventeenth aspect, the system of the sixteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the JSON package includes a second shapeassociated with a second layer.

According to an eighteenth aspect, the system of the seventeenth aspector any other aspect, wherein the process further includes rendering thesecond shape on the display screen.

According to a nineteenth aspect, the system of the eighteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein rendering the second shape on the displayscreen includes rendering the second shape in a second location on theCAD drawing image based at least in part on second x-y coordinate data.

According to a twentieth aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the second location on the CAD drawing is theparticular location.

According to a twenty-first aspect, the system of the twentieth aspector any other aspect, wherein the process further includes rendering theat least one shape and the second shape in a second color.

According to a twenty-second aspect, the system of the twenty-firstaspect or any other aspect, wherein the second color is not theparticular color.

According to a twenty-third aspect, the system of the nineteenth aspector any other aspect, wherein the second location on the CAD drawing isdifferent than the particular location.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, the system of the twenty-thirdaspect or any other aspect, wherein the process further includesrendering the at least one shape in the particular color and the secondshape in a second color.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, the system of the fourteenth aspector any other aspect, wherein the process further includes receiving aselection of the CAD drawing.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, the system of the fourteenth aspector any other aspect, wherein the one or more properties of the at leastone shape include an amount of materials.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimedinvention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed writtendescription of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken inconjunction with the following drawings, although variations andmodifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spiritand scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/oraspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description,serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible,the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer tothe same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary construction drawing on a userinterface, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary construction drawing on a userinterface, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary construction drawing on a userinterface, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary pop-up window for inputting an amount ofwork completed on a user interface, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary daily production report on a userinterface, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary pop-up window for selecting report typeson a user interface, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary code report on a user interface,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary cost report on a user interface,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary construction drawing selection page on auser interface, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary data visualization process,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary data visualization system networkarchitecture, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; anyalterations and further modifications of the described or illustratedembodiments, and any further applications of the principles of thedisclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Alllimitations of scope should be determined in accordance with and asexpressed in the claims.

Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limitingof the meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized termshall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the contextof the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning forthe capitalized term is intended. However, the capitalization or lackthereof within the remainder of this document is not intended to benecessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that suchlimitation is intended.

Overview

In various embodiments, the data visualization system imports anddisplays, on an electronic device (e.g., a tablet, desktop computingdevice, etc.), a construction drawing or the like, of a project and acorresponding one or more shapes, wherein the construction drawing andthe one or more shapes may represent an area of the construction drawingor a particular part or component, such as a pipe, portion of electricalwiring, portion of drywall, etc. In some embodiments, the constructiondrawing, the one or more shapes and associations between the one or moreshapes and the construction drawing may be imported from one or moredata sources and/or one or more other systems. Thus, in one embodiment,the associations may be pre-defined. In various embodiments, theassociations may be defined automatically by the data visualizationsystem and/or one or more systems operatively connected thereto. Forexample, a system (e.g., the tracking or a connected system) may receiveimported data defining an association between an area of a constructiondrawing and a shape containing the area of the construction drawing. Inone embodiment, the system may also assign and/or embed information(e.g., such as labor, materials, and/or other project information) intothe construction drawing and/or shape (e.g., as metadata). In the sameexample, the construction drawing may be an image (e.g., of a blueprint)and the shape may be an image placed on top of the construction drawingimage. In at least one embodiment, the construction drawing may beselected from a set of construction drawings, wherein the set ofconstruction drawings is displayed by the data visualization system as acarousel including one or more construction drawings (e.g., pertainingto the project).

In one or more embodiments, each shape of the one or more shapes mayinclude assignments to one or more layers, wherein each of the one ormore layers may be associated with a labor code (e.g., an actionableproject task). In some embodiments, each shape of the one or more shapesmay be assigned a specific color. In at least one embodiment, thespecific color of each of the one or more shapes within the one or moreshapes may correspond with a specific layer and/or a specific number ofthe one or more layers to which each of the one or more shapes has beenassigned. In many embodiments, each shape of the one or more shapes maybe at least partially defined by a user prior to being received by thedata visualization system. According to particular embodiments, the usermay define material properties (e.g., LF of drywall to hang, length ofpipe to install) and/or amount of labor (e.g., number of hours, numberof workers, etc.) to install a length of pipe, drywall, or othercomponent or part represented by a shape. In at least one embodiment, auser may define a location of the one or more shapes, which may betranslated to x-y coordinate information and shapepositioning/orientation information. For example, in one embodiment, auser may utilize one or more systems operatively connected to the datavisualization system to digitally draw a shape on a blueprint, themetadata from which the one or more systems may associate with the shape(e.g., the location and/or x-y coordinate information and shapeorientation). Continuing with the example, upon receiving a data packageincluding shape information, the data visualization system may recognizethe metadata as location information data for placing the shapes ontothe construction drawing (e.g., the data visualization system places theshapes onto the construction drawing as the user had previously drawn inthe one or more systems operatively connected to the data visualizationsystem). In another embodiment, the shapes may be defined by informationincluded in a CAD drawing (e.g., BIM information), opposed to userdefined information, that is received by the data visualization system,which includes shape location information, positioning/orientationinformation, labor information (number of hours or workers), quantity ofmaterials, etc.

For example, a construction drawing of a floor of a building may includevarious components, parts, and structures to be built or otherwiseworked on by one or more groups (e.g., subcontractors, electricians,plumbers, etc.), each of these components, parts, and/or structuresreferred to as “shapes.” Continuing with this example, each of theshapes to be built or otherwise worked on by a different group may beincluded in a different “layer” of the construction drawing (e.g., adifferent group). Prior to more recent advancements in CAD technologies,components, parts, and/or structures for each specialty or group wouldbe included on separate, transparent drawing layers (typically made ofMylar or like material). Each layer could be laid on top of a generaldrawing of the floor plan to get a complete visual of all of the variouscomponents, parts, or structures that needed to be completed to completebuilding the floor. Likewise, different layers could be removed soothers could more easily be seen (e.g., a drywall layer could be removedso a plumbing layer could be more easily seen). Current technologiesallow these different physical layers to be created electronically(e.g., in CAD programs or the like).

In various embodiments, one or more shapes assigned to a single layer(e.g., a drywall, plumbing, electrical, or other layer) may be assigneda distinct color (e.g., light blue). In at least one embodiment, one ormore shapes sharing identical coordinates, but on separate layers (e.g.,on the construction drawing such as an electrical wire and piping thatare vertically separated, but appear on top of each other in atwo-dimensional drawing) may be considered multi-layered and displayedin a distinct color when both layers are displayed (e.g., navy blue). Insome embodiments, one or more shapes may be assigned more than one layerand may be assigned a different distinct color (e.g., green).

Exemplary Embodiments

Referring now to the figures, for the purposes of example andexplanation of the fundamental processes and components of the disclosedsystems and methods, reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates anexemplary, high-level overview 100 of one embodiment of the datavisualization system. As will be understood and appreciated, theexemplary, high-level overview 100 shown in FIG. 1 represents merely oneapproach or embodiment of the present system, and other aspects are usedaccording to various embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary construction drawing on a user interface ofthe data visualization system, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In multiple embodiments, a construction drawing 102may be an image of a blue print or architectural plan (or other similarproject plan) utilized to track project completion for the datavisualization system. In one or more embodiments, the constructiondrawing 102 may include one or more shapes, for example, shape 104,shape 106, and shape 108, which are overlaid onto the constructiondrawing 102. In some embodiments, each shape of the one or more shapesis an area of the construction drawing 102 representing a portion of theconstruction drawing 102 (e.g., a sink, a section of wall, etc.). Forexample, in one embodiment, a construction drawing 102 may include aparticular section of drywall having particular dimensions, which thedata visualization system overlays a shape on the construction drawing102 over the area containing the particular section of drywall. In manyembodiments, a user may interact with the one or more shapes whenmanipulating the user interface of the system, rather than theunderlying construction drawing 102.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system imports anddisplays, on an electronic or computing device (e.g., a tablet, laptop,mobile device, etc.), the construction drawing 102 of a project and thecorresponding one or more shapes. In one or more embodiments, the datavisualization system may receive an electronic file or data package (orpackages) from a third-party system (e.g., a project estimation system).In at least one embodiment, the electronic file may include or be a JSONpackage, or some similar package. In one embodiment, the JSON packagemay include data or a file representing or associated with a CAD file.In many embodiments, the JSON package may include an image file of aconverted CAD file (e.g., converted into an image file, which may showconstruction drawing 102).

In some embodiments, the data visualization system may display theconstruction drawing 102 on the user interface of an electronic device(e.g., personal computer, tablet, mobile device, etc.). In one or moreembodiments, the construction drawing 102 is displayed in atwo-dimensional format on the display screen electronic device. In atleast one embodiment, the construction drawing 102 may be manipulated bya user via the user interface. In one embodiment, such manipulations mayinclude, but are not limited to, panning across the construction drawing102, magnifying the construction drawing 102, etc.

In several embodiments, the electronic file or data package may includedata or information defining the one or more shapes. In one or moreembodiments, the one or more shapes may be digital representations ofareas of the construction drawing 102. In many embodiments, because theconstruction drawing 102 is an image or some similar file, the datavisualization system overlays the one or more shapes onto theconstruction drawing 102 so that a user may select each of the one ormore shapes for inputting work completion information.

In some embodiments, the data visualization system imports or receivesdata associated with the one or more shapes. In at least one embodiment,the data associated with the one or more shapes includes locationinformation (e.g., x-y coordinate information or information that thesystem can convert into an x-y coordinate system) such that the systemmay place each shape of the one or more shapes onto a position on theconstruction drawing 102. In one or more embodiments, because theconstruction drawing 102 is displayed in two-dimensions, the system mayplace each shape onto the construction drawing 102 based on the x-ycoordinate information. In many embodiments, the data package may alsoinclude related to the orientation and/or boundary location informationfor each shape, or include corner or line information, such that eachshape of the one or more shapes is positioned in the correct area on the(image-converted) construction drawing 102. For example, in oneembodiment, a particular section of drywall may be a rectangular shapehaving a particular length and particular width on the constructiondrawing 102 (e.g., blueprint representation). Continuing with thisexample, in one or more embodiments, the shape corresponding to theparticular section of drywall may be associated with metadata thatincludes x-y coordinate information, information associated with ordefining outer boundaries of the rectangle, and/or information definingall portions inside the rectangle.

For example, in one embodiment, a construction drawing 102 may have aleft edge 112, a right edge 114, a top edge 116, and a bottom edge 118,such that the junction at the left edge 112 and top edge 116 may bedefined as the x-y coordinate point ‘0,0’. Continuing with the example,in some embodiments, the left edge 112 and right edge 114 (e.g., they-axis to the x-y coordinate system) may be a particular height, and thetop edge 116 and bottom edge 118 (e.g., the x-axis to the x-y coordinatesystem) may be a particular length, such that each point within theconstruction drawing 102 may have a defined x-y coordinate. Stillcontinuing with the example, in many embodiments, the shape 106 may beassociated with x-y coordinate information such that the shape 106overlays a wall on the construction drawing 102. In at least oneembodiment, the x-y coordinate information for shape 106 may includeeach point within the shape (e.g., all points within the “L” area of thewall), and/or may include perimeter information, such that the systemmay determine the perimeter of the shape 106 and determine each pointtherein. In various embodiments, the system may set up the x-ycoordinate system so that point ‘0,0’ is at any point on theconstruction drawing 102 (e.g., the center point of the constructiondrawing 102, etc.). In additional embodiments, the system may define thejunction at the left edge 112 and the bottom edge 116 as the x-ycoordinate point ‘0,0’, the junction at the right edge 114 and thebottom edge 116 as the x-y coordinate point ‘0,0’, or the junction atthe right edge 114 and the top edge 118 as the x-y coordinate point‘0,0’.

In some embodiments, the data visualization system also imports orreceives data indicating or including associations between theconstruction drawing 102 and the one or more shapes. In manyembodiments, the construction drawing 102, the one or more shapes anddata associations between the one or more shapes and the constructiondrawing 102 may be imported from one or more data sources and/or one ormore other systems. For example, in one embodiment, a system (e.g., thedata visualization system or a connected system) may receive importeddata from one or more data sources defining an association between anarea of a construction drawing 102 and one or more shapes containing thearea of the construction drawing. In the same example, the constructiondrawing 102 may be an image (e.g., of a blueprint) and the one or moreshapes may be one or more images displayed on top of the constructiondrawing image. In at least one embodiment, the data associations andmetadata may be stored in tables on a server or on a computing device.

In some embodiments, the data associated with the one or more shapes mayinclude metadata that defines the labor, materials, cost, etc. for eachshape. For example, in one embodiment, for a particular shape thatrepresents a piece of drywall in a construction drawing 102, data forthe particular shape may include location information, a laborcode/layer information, material information (e.g., material needed toconstruct the particular shape and how much material needed), laborinformation (e.g., how many workers needed to perform work related toconstructing the particular shape, and the estimated amount of time thework should take), cost information (e.g., costs associated with thematerial and labor), and other similar information.

In at least one embodiment, after importing or receiving data associatedwith one or shapes, the system may assign and/or embed the data ormetadata (e.g., such as labor, materials, and/or other projectinformation) into the construction drawing 102 and/or one or moreshapes. In one or more embodiments, the data visualization system mayautomatically import data indicating associations between shapes and aconstruction drawing upon commencement of a project, which may becommunicated to the system via receipt of an “activation” command, orthe like.

In multiple embodiments, data for each shape of the one or more shapesmay include assignments to one or more layers, wherein each of the oneor more layers may be associated with a labor code (e.g., an actionableproject task). In at least one embodiment, each shape of the one or moreshapes may be assigned a specific color (color assignment may beincluded in data received by the system or may be assigned by the systembased on layer). In at least one embodiment, the specific color of eachof the one or more shapes within the one or more shapes may correspondwith a specific layer and/or a specific number of the one or more layersto which each of the one or more shapes has been assigned.

In various embodiments, each shape of the one or more shapes assigned toa single layer may be assigned a distinct color (e.g., light blue)and/or pattern (e.g., hatching) denoted by shape 104 and shape 106(e.g., shape 104 may be included on a distinct layer and shape 106 isincluded on a separate, distinct layer—shown by hatching in differentdirections) in FIG. 1. As utilized in FIG. 1, the different hatching fordifferent shapes may be associated with different colors for the shapes(e.g., the hatching utilized on the shapes in FIG. 1 may representhatching or may represent different colors). In at least one embodiment,two or more particular shapes of the one or more shapes sharingidentical coordinates (e.g., on the construction drawing) may beconsidered multi-layered, denoted by shape 108 (e.g., shape 108 mayinclude two or more particular shapes that share identical coordinates).For example, in one embodiment, a first particular shape associated witha wall and a second particular shape associated with a water pipe mayshare identical coordinates (e.g., the water pipe inside the wall).Continuing with the example, in many embodiments, the first particularshape associated with the wall may be associated with a first particularlayer (and therefore, a first particular labor code), and the secondparticular shape associated with the water pipe may be associated with asecond particular layer, but because the construction drawing 102 on thedisplay screen is two-dimensional, the system may assign the firstparticular shape and the second particular shape a color different fromeach shape's layer color to visually denote that the shapes aremulti-layered (e.g., visually stacked on top of one another intwo-dimensions).

In multiple embodiments, each shape of the one or more shapes assignedto a single layer may be assigned a distinct pattern or other type ofdistinguishing feature (e.g., hatching).

In several embodiments, the data visualization system may render a laborcode list 110 on the display screen of the user interface that allows auser to view each labor code associated with the one or more shapes fora particular construction drawing 102 (e.g., as a particular layer). Inmany embodiments, the user may select one or more labor codes from thelabor code list 110 (e.g., by pressing or tapping one or more laborcodes). In one or more embodiments, the system may detect the selectionof one or more labor codes, and display only the particular shapesassociated with the selected one or more labor codes on the constructiondrawing 102. In one embodiment, if the system is displaying theparticular shapes associated with one or more particular labor codessuch that none of the displayed particular shapes have identicalcoordinates, the system may render each of the particular shapes in oneor more particular colors, such that each of the particular one or morelabor codes is associated with a particular color (e.g., even if the adisplayed particular shape shares identical coordinates with anundisplayed shape).

As will be understood from discussions herein, the system may displayone or more shapes in any suitable way that might be useful fororganizing visual information for a user. In various embodiments, if thesystem is displaying the particular shapes associated with one or moreparticular labor codes such that none of the displayed particular shapeshave identical coordinates, but the displayed particular shapes shareidentical coordinates with undisplayed shapes (associated withunselected labor codes), the displayed particular shapes havingidentical coordinates with undisplayed shapes may be assigned the colorassociated with multi-layering (e.g., navy blue), rather than theparticular color assigned to the particular shapes associated with theparticular labor code (e.g., orange). In further embodiments, the systemmay display one or more shapes with color corresponding to like shapes,even if associated with a different labor code/layer.

Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary construction drawing 200 on a userinterface is shown, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In various embodiments, once a user has selected aconstruction drawing 102 to interact with in the user interface, theuser may manipulate the screen of the user interface to select one ormore shapes. In one or more embodiments, the data visualization systemmay detect various manipulations (e.g., presses, drags, clicks,translations, etc., by the user on the display screen), and operateaccordingly to the various manipulations. In at least one embodiment,the system assigns a specific color (e.g., red) to each shape of the oneor more shapes contained within the selection. In some embodiments, aprocess of selecting one or more shapes via pushing and/or dragging maybe referred to as “multi-selecting.” For example, in one embodiment, auser may touch a particular shape of the one or more shapes on the userinterface, and the system may identify the particular shape. In manyembodiments, a user may select more than one shape and shapes indifferent layers at the same time by manipulating the user interface todraw a box 202 over one or more shapes (e.g., pressing and draggingacross the screen), such that the system interprets the interactions asa selection of one or more shapes. For example, in one embodiment, auser may press at a particular point of a construction drawing 102 anddrag to a second point of the construction drawing 102, which may causethe system to create a box 202 between the two points. Continuing withthe example, in some embodiments, the system may detect all shapes ofthe one or more shapes that the box 202 covers, and interpret eachdetected shape as being selected. In many embodiments, after the usermanipulates the user interface and the system has detected selectedshapes, the user may input work completion information, as described bythe description accompanying FIG. 4.

As will be understood, multi-selection may apply to all visualizedshapes. For example, if a user is viewing all shapes associated with thelabor code “Hand ⅝^(th)×10′ 0″ FC to 10′ 0″” and multi-selects shapeswithin a certain area, the system may only select the shapes currentlybeing viewed (e.g., the shapes associated with the labor code “Hand⅝^(th)×10′ 0″ FC to 10′ 0″”). According to particular embodiments, if auser is viewing shapes associated with more than one labor code, thenmulti-selection of shapes may select shapes associated with each of themore than one labor code.

Turning now to FIG. 3, an exemplary construction drawing 300 on a userinterface is shown, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In various embodiments, FIG. 3 shows an alternate method ofselecting one or more shapes within the construction drawing 102. In oneor more embodiments, the system may mark production by detecting a user(e.g., of the data visualization system) pressing a number of times(e.g., twice) on a specific shape of the one or more shapes (e.g.,rendered on the electronic device). In at least one embodiment, thesystem detects (or otherwise receives) the pressing action of the user,turns the specific shape a specific color (e.g., red) and activates aset of crosshairs 302, wherein the set of crosshairs 302 may be overlaidonto the specific shape.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system may detect themanipulation (e.g., drags, translations, etc.) of the set of crosshairs302, the manipulation directed towards (e.g., as a result of userinteraction) identifying a specific area 304 of the specific shape. Inone or more embodiments, the data visualization system may detect thespecific area 304 of the specific shape and may interpret the specificarea 304 contained by the set of cross hairs 302 as complete (e.g.,labor may be concluded). In many embodiments, by detecting a selectionof one or more shapes, the data visualization system may interpret acorresponding (e.g., underlying) area 304 of the construction drawing102 as complete (e.g., 100% work completion). In some embodiments, thesystem may not interpret the specific area 304 contained by the set ofcross hairs 302 as complete, but instead may allow a user to input workcompletion information for the specific shapes within the specific area304. According to one embodiment, the data visualization system canrequire an activation input to initiate and render display of thecrosshairs 302. In at least one embodiment, the activation input caninclude, but is not limited to, receiving one or more selections on aninput device (such as an electronic device described herein).

In several embodiments, the data visualization system may indicate thespecific area and/or line interpreted as complete by assigning thespecific area 304 or each shape within the specific area 304 a specificcolor (e.g., green). In at least one embodiment, each shape of the oneor more shapes in a construction drawing 102 may include a completionand/or production value calculated by the system using a predefinedscale and a calculated dots per inch (DPI) value (e.g., related to anarea of a construction drawing 102 occupied by the shape). In one ormore embodiments, marking a particular completion and/or productionpercentage for a particular shape may cause the system to calculate acompletion and/or production metric by computing the particularcompletion and/or production percentage in relation to a predeterminedcompletion and/or production value. For example, marking amulti-selection of shapes of the one or more shapes as 50% complete maycause the data visualization system to calculate, for each shape in themulti-selection, a completion value (by which to increment a completionmetric) that is based on the shape's DPI value contained within themulti-selection. In the same example, the system may determine that 50%of a shape's DPI value is contained within a multi-selection, and mayreceive a completion and/or production input of 50%. In the sameexample, the system may compute a completion value of 25% (e.g., equalto a 50% increase in completion of 50% of a shape's area), and mayincrement the particular shape's current completion and/or productionmetric by the completion value.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system may automaticallyassign a completion coloration to one or more shapes contained withinthe cross hairs 302. In at least one embodiment, the data visualizationsystem may update a completion and/or production value based on thecoloration of the one or more shapes. Thus, in one or more embodiments,the system may determine completeness based on a region within thecrosshairs and/or a coloration of shapes included therein. For example,in one embodiment, a user may utilize the cross hairs 302 to identify aspecific area 304 that contains multiple shapes of the one or moreshapes. Continuing with the example, in some embodiments, the user mayinput a work completion percentage for the multiple shapes of the one ormore shapes, and the system may automatically assign the multiple shapeswithin the specific area 304 a completion coloration (e.g., green) basedon the work completion percentage. Still continuing with the example, inmany embodiments, the system, based on the work completion percentage,may update the completion and/or production value for each of themultiple shapes. In another example, in one embodiment, the system mayautomatically assign a 100% completion percentage to any shapeidentified in a specific area 304 by the cross hairs 302.

In various embodiments, coloring of shapes (e.g., as performed by thedata visualization system) to indicate a level of completion pertainingto work occurring within the shapes of the construction drawing 102 maybe referred to as “completion coloring assignment.” In one or moreembodiments, a completion coloring assignment pertaining to a shape,line, and/or a specific region of the shape and/or line may increase ascompletion of work occurring within the shape, line, and/or the specificregion of the shape and/or line increases. In at least one embodiment,completion coloring assignment may be indicated by red and greencolorings of one or more specific regions of a shape and/or line,wherein red coloring assignment may indicate uncompleted work, asdenoted by area 306 in FIG. 3 and green coloring assignment may indicatecompleted work, as indicated by area 304 of FIG. 3 (e.g., an increase inpercent completion may increase green coloring assignment). In variousembodiments, the system displays one or more percent completion values308 adjacent to the set of crosshairs 302, wherein the one or morepercent completion values 308 may correspond with the specific area 304contained within the set of crosshairs 302 (e.g., a selection beingmarked complete and colored green). For example, in one embodiment, auser may utilize the crosshairs 302 to select 50% of the one or moreshapes on the construction drawing 102, which may be indicated by theone or more percent completion values 308. Continuing with the example,in some embodiments, the system may assign the completion coloration tothe shapes within area contained within the set of crosshairs 302.

According to one embodiment, the data visualization system may associateeach shape of the one or more shapes with particular metadata associated(or may modify such metadata as received by the system), such as, forexample, a dimension value or other metric. For example, a particularshape may include data indicating a dimension value of 100 linear feet(LF). In at least one embodiment, the system may interpret a shape'scompletion metric as a function of the dimension associated therewith.For example, the data visualization system may interpret, for a shapewith associated dimension value 100 LF, a completion metric of 50% as adimension value of about 50 LF. According to one embodiment, the datavisualization system can perform shape coloration processes based onprocessing completion metrics with corresponding dimension values. Forexample, the data visualization system can receive, for a particularshape, a completion metric of 50% and generate a dimension value 50 LFbased on processing the completion metric with an associated initialdimensional value 100 LF. In the same example, the system may use thegenerated dimension value as an input to a coloration process and color50 LF of the particular shape with a green completion coloration.According to one embodiment, the data visualization system can process aplurality of completion metrics with a plurality of correspondingdimension values to perform coloration processes on a plurality ofshapes associated with the completion metrics and dimension values.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an exemplary percentage dialogue window 400 forinputting an amount of work completed on a user interface is shown,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In multipleembodiments, following the selection of one or more shapes by the user,the data visualization system receives a selection (e.g., by a user viathe electronic device) of a percent button 402. In one or moreembodiments, the percent button 402, when selected, causes the system tolaunch a percentage dialogue window 404 pertaining to the specificselected shapes.

In at least one embodiment, the percentage dialogue window 404 maycontain a workers data field 406 corresponding to a number of workersconducting labor activity in the specific area and/or line, and maycontain an hours worked data field 408 corresponding to hours worked(e.g., per worker) in completion of a labor activity in the specificarea and/or line. In at least one embodiment, hours worked may beweighted based on a size of a shape (e.g., a completed shape). In one ormore embodiments, the data visualization system stores completion dataand completion data changes, and updates one or more databases. Invarious embodiments, the one or more databases may include, but are notlimited to: 1) local databases of the electronic device; 2) distributeddatabases, such as cloud and other virtual databases; and 3) one or moredatabases shared by the data visualization system and an additionalconstruction estimation system.

In multiple embodiments, the data visualization system may also produce,in the percent dialog window 404, a percent slider 412. In variousembodiments, the system receives a manipulation of the percent slider412 (e.g., by the user), wherein the data visualization systeminterprets a position of the percent slider 412 and assigns acorresponding percent completion corresponding to the one or more shapescontained within the selection. In one or more embodiments, each shapein a multi-selection may include an initial completion and/or productionvalue (e.g., a predefined completion and/or production value included inthe shape upon importation into the data visualization system). In atleast one embodiment, to assign a completion percentage to each shape ina multi-selection, the system may increment each shape's completionand/or production value by a metric calculated by processing thecompletion percentage with respect to each shape's initial completionand/or production value. In various embodiments, a completion percentageinputted via the percent slider 412 for a multi-selection of shapes maybe distributed equally across shapes included therein, or may bedistributed according to one or more predefined relations between shapestherein, between tasks therein, and/or other relations. In oneembodiment, percent completion may refer to the amount of work completedand/or an amount of material used, and may be visualized by the coloringof a number of completed squares, areas, and/or lines (e.g., as measuredin square and/or linear feet) out of a total number of squares, areas,and/or lines included in a selection of one or more shapes (e.g., thesystem may color a portion of a shape based on the percent completioninput to indicate that some work has been done on the shape). In one ormore embodiments, if a user utilizes the cross hairs 302 to select oneor more shapes and the system automatically interprets the selected oneor more shapes contained within the specific area 304 by the cross hairs302 as complete (e.g., 100% work completion), the system mayautomatically color the selected one or more shapes the completion color(e.g., green).

In one or more embodiments, the system may update the percent dialogwindow 404, wherein the updated percent dialog window 404 may include,but is not limited to, one or more values based on a percent completionestimate (e.g., as obtained by the data visualization system via thepercent slider 412). In various embodiments, the one or more valuescorrespond to the partially and/or completed one or more shapescontained within the selection. In at least one embodiment, the one ormore values based on the percent completion estimate may include, butare not limited to: 1) linear feet (LF) of the partially and/or fullycompleted one or more shapes contained within the selection; 2) squarefeet (SF) of the partially and/or fully completed one or more shapescontained within the selection; and 3) each account (EA) value of thepartially and/or fully completed one or more shapes contained within theselection.

In various embodiments, the percent dialog window 404 may include a savebutton 410 (e.g., generated by the data visualization system). In one ormore embodiments, the system detects selection of the save button 410(e.g., by a user), wherein selection may occur, for example, followingmanipulation of the percent slider 412 and entry of values into theworker data fields. In at least one embodiment, the data visualizationsystem detects selection of the save button 410 and may take actionsincluding, but not limited to: 1) saving data pertaining to completion(e.g., position of the completion slider, values of the of worker datafields, etc.); 2) displaying a percent completion estimate on the one ormore shapes contained within the selection; 3) updating completioncoloring assignment of the one or more partially and/or fully completedshapes contained within the selection; 4) uploading, via an API, theupdated construction drawing 102 and the associated one or more shapesto a storage database (e.g., a cloud or physical database); 5) updatingconstruction drawing 102 and shape displays of one or more otherelectronic devices that are accessing the construction drawing 102 andthe associated one or more shapes.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an exemplary daily production report on a userinterface is shown, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In various embodiments, the system may create a dailyproduction report 502 automatically at a certain time each day duringconstruction, or a user may cause the system to create a dailyproduction report 502 at any point in time. In one or more embodiments,if a user causes the system to create a daily production report 502, thedaily production report may include work completed from the start ofwork that day until the time point the user caused the system to createthe daily production report 502. In at least one embodiment, the systemmay automatically cause the daily production report 502, or a link tothe daily production report 502 to be sent, via email, text message, orsimilar communication methods, to one or more users.

In multiple embodiments, the daily production report 502 may includeinformation regarding each labor item performed during the precedingwork day. In many embodiments, information regarding each labor item mayinclude descriptions of the work performed, a labor item detail ornumber, an amount of workers that performed the work, the weighted hoursand total hours, selected quantity of work completed, and a totalquantity of work needed to complete the work. For example, in oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first line item description is“Drywall Installation (Low)” and corresponds to a labor item of “Hang⅝″×10′0″ FC to 10′0′”, and shows that one worker performed the specificwork for one hour, and that the worker completed 957.59 square feet ofwork out of the 1473.21 square feet total work. Stated differently, insome embodiments, the worker completed 65% of the work for that laboritem (957.59/1473.21) over one hour.

In various embodiments, the system may weigh the worked hours andselected quantity of work for one or more shapes in a multi-selection ofshapes so that the work and quantity of work done distribution isdetermined based on the total amount of work to complete the work foreach shape in the multi-selection (work for a shape may include labor,materials, etc.). For example, in one embodiment, a first shape may havea total amount of 100 square feet to be built and a second shape mayhave a total amount of 200 square feet to be built. Continuing with thisexample, in some embodiments, if a user inputs that the first shape andthe second shape are 40% complete (e.g., in a multi-selection), thesystem may calculate that the first shape has 40 square feet built andthe second shape has 80 square feet built. In multiple embodiments, ifthe first shape and the second shape are in the same layer (e.g., samelabor code), the system may allot two-thirds of the time the work tookto the second shape because two-thirds of the total work done was doneon the second shape (80 square feet/120 square feet) In manyembodiments, weighting of hours worked may be performed by the datavisualization system. In one or more embodiments, weighting of hours mayfurther include distribution of weighted hours between one or moreshapes of a multi-selection, wherein distribution may be defined by asize of each of the one or more shapes and/or one or more otherdistribution protocols. In at least one embodiment, one or morereference values (e.g., labor item estimations, proportions,distributions, etc.) used for weighting activities, or other activities,may be pre-defined a disparate system and may be imported by the presentsystem. In some embodiments, a pre-defined weighting system may includedividing time worked evenly between each shape worked on (e.g., for sixshapes worked on in one hour, each shape being allotted ten minutes ofwork) rather than weighting by amount of work to be completed for eachshape. In another embodiment, a pre-defined weighting system may includeprioritizing particular shapes over other shapes when weighing workcompletion.

For example, in one embodiment, in FIG. 5, a user may havemulti-selected shapes associated with the items indicated in the secondand third line items (both labeled “Drywall Installation High”), andinput that one worker worked one hour and completed 35% of the work inthe percent dialogue window 404. In multiple embodiments, the systemweighs the hours worked and quantity of work done by first assessing 35%of the total quantity of work and assigning that number to the selectedquantity (for example, for the second line item, 35% of 106.26 is 37.19square feet, as indicated in the selected quantity column). In manyembodiments, once the system determines the weighted selected quantityfor each labor item (line items 2 and 3 in this case), the system mayadd the selected quantities together to get a total amount worked forthe one hour worked, and divide each selected quantity by the totalamount worked to determine the amount of hours worked. Continuing withthis example, as shown in FIG. 5, the total amount worked over the onehour is 142.33 square feet (37.19+105.14). Still continuing with theexample, the second labor item (second line item) had a weightedselected quantity worked of 37.19 square feet, so the total hours workedon the second labor item is 0.26 hours (37.19 square feet/142.33 squarefeet per hour).

Additionally, in multiple embodiments, the data visualization system mayutilize an hours estimate for each shape selected within amulti-selection to weigh the inputted worked hours for each shape. In atleast one embodiment, the data associations and/or metadata for eachshape may include the hours estimate for the shape, which is an estimateof the hours needed to build the shape. In one or more embodiments, fora multi-selection of shapes, the data visualization system may multiplythe completion percentage for a shape within the multi-selection by thehours estimate for the shape to determine a weight number for the shape.For example, in one embodiment, a user may input a 20% completionpercentage for a particular shape within a multi-selection of shapes,and the particular shape may be assigned a two-hour work estimate.Continuing with the example, in some embodiments, the system maydetermine that the weight number for the particular shape is 0.4 (20% ofthe 2-hour estimate). In many embodiments, once the data visualizationsystem has determined the weight number for each shape in themulti-selection of shapes, the system may determine the weighted hoursfor a particular shape within the multi-selection of shapes bydetermining the ratio of the weight number for the particular shape tothe total sum of the weight numbers for each shape within themulti-selection, and then multiplying the ratio by the inputted hoursfor the multi-selection of shapes.

For example, in one embodiment, a user may select shape A, shape B, andshape C in a multi-selection and input a total time worked of 5 hoursfor the multi-selection, such that shape A, shape B, and shape C may bein the same or different labor codes or layers within the constructiondrawing 102. Continuing with the example, in many embodiments, shape Amay have a 30% completion percentage (as inputted by the user) and athree-hour estimate (from the data associations or metadata associatedwith shape A), shape B may have a 50% completion percentage and atwo-hour estimate, and shape C may have a 25% completion percentage anda six-hour estimate. Continuing with the example, in some embodiments,the weight number for shape A is 0.9 (30% of 3 hour estimate), theweight number for shape B is 1 (50% of 2 hour estimate), and the weightnumber for shape C is 1.5 (25% of 6 hour estimate). Still continuingwith the example, in several embodiments, the system may determine theweighted hours for each shape by determining the total sum of the weightnumbers for all the shapes within the multi-selection (in this example,0.9+1+1.5=3.4), and determining the ratio of the weighted number foreach shape over the total sum of weighted numbers and multiplying theratio by the hours input by the user. Still continuing with the example,in multiple embodiments, the weighted hours for shape A is about 1.32hours ((0.9 shape A weight number/3.4 total sum of weighted numbers)×5hours=1.32 hours), the weighted hours for shape B is about 1.47 hours,and the weighted hours for shape C is about 2.21 hours. In at least oneembodiment, the system may display the weighted hours on generatedreports, such as the daily production report 502.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an exemplary window 600 for selecting reporttypes user interface is shown, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In various embodiments, the data visualizationsystem may generate various report types from which a user may select toview and/or to transmit to one or more other users. In at least oneembodiment, the data visualization system receives a selection (e.g., bya user via the electronic device) of a report button, and may open areport type window 602 that displays the various report types the usermay view. In one or more embodiments, types of reports may include, butare not limited to, code reports (discussed below in reference to FIG.7), cost reports (discussed below in reference to FIG. 8), item reports,quantity reports, quantity item reports, quantity code reports, andprogress reports.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an exemplary code report user interface is shown,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In severalembodiments, the system may detect selection of the “Code” report button604 located on the report type window 602 (see FIG. 6). In one or moreembodiments, the system may generate the code report 702. In at leastone embodiment, the code report 702 may include labor item codes 704 andvarious project information associated with the codes. In oneembodiment, the system may receive an input that indicates estimatedproject information 706 for each code, and based on the actual projectdata 708 received by the system throughout the project, the system maygenerate forecasted project information 710 related to amount of hoursforecasted to complete the work for each code.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an exemplary cost report user interface is shown,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least oneembodiment, the system may detect selection of the “Cost” report button606 located on the report type window 602 (see FIG. 6). In manyembodiments, the system may generate the cost report 802. In one or moreembodiments, the cost report 802 may include labor item codes 804 andvarious project cost information associated with the codes. In someembodiments, the system may receive an input that indicates estimatedproject cost information 806 for each code, and based on the actualproject data 808 received by the system during the project, the systemmay generate forecasted project cost information 810 for each code.

Turning now to FIG. 9, an exemplary construction drawing selection page900 on a user interface is shown, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the construction drawing102 may be selected from a set of construction drawings, wherein the setof construction drawings is displayed by the data visualization systemas a carousel 902 including one or more construction drawings (e.g.,pertaining to the project). In several embodiments, the carousel 902includes thumbnail images of each imported construction drawing 904. Inone or more embodiments, the system transforms the full-sizedconstruction drawings into thumbnail images 904, which are reduced-sizeversions of the construction drawings.

In multiple embodiments, the system may create a thumbnail image from aconstruction drawing upon receiving the construction drawing. In oneembodiment, the system may create the thumbnail image by making a copyof the construction drawing and proportionally reducing the size of thedrawing.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system may include one ormore image insertion buttons. In one or more embodiments, the datavisualization system detects or receives a selection (e.g., by a user)of the one or more image buttons, wherein each of the one or more imagebuttons may correspond to at least one specific shape and/or taskfeatured on a construction drawing. In at least one embodiment, the datavisualization system may generate a window configured to facilitatefunctions including, but not limited to, image capture, imageimportation and image upload. In some embodiments, the image capturefunction may be achieved by the data visualization system, in part,through engaging a camera operatively coupled to the electronic device,capturing a photograph, and receiving the captured photograph (e.g., theimage). In various embodiments, the data visualization system maypresent captured images and/or previously imported images as one or moreoptions to a user, whereupon the data visualization system detects animage selection inputted by the user. In one or more embodiments, aselected image may be inserted into or otherwise associated with (e.g.,in memory) the construction drawing or selected one or more shapes,wherein the data visualization system may associate the inserted imagewith a specific shape and/or other element of a construction drawing ofa project. In at least one embodiment, the data visualization systemsaves the selected image and updates construction drawing. In one ormore embodiments, the data visualization system, prior to inserting theselected image, may generate an image editing window, wherein the imageediting window may allow performance of editing and/or commenting (e.g.,by the user) on the selected image.

In various embodiments, the data visualization system, via theelectronic device, may automatically and/or manually (e.g., as triggeredby a user) upload, via an API, one or more project visualizations andother project data to a storage database, wherein the one or morevisualizations and project data may be accessible to the user through aweb portal. In at least one embodiment, the data visualization systemperforms uploading using web calls (e.g., for example, web calls in JSONformat over HTTPS protocol). In one or more embodiments, the web portalmay include each and every element of the data visualization system aspresented on the electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the datavisualization system, both on the electronic device and through the webportal, may perform one or more additional actions. In variousembodiments, the one or more actions include, but are not limited to: 1)establishment and/or delivery of one or more specific notifications,such as a notification delivered when a specific completion percentageis reached (e.g., in a project and/or subset thereof); 2) generation anddelivery of one or more specific reports, wherein the report maycomprise project data and/or project visualizations; and 3) querying ofweather data from one or more sources, wherein completion estimates(e.g., completion forecasts) may be adjusted according to one or morespecific values of the queried weather data.

As shown in FIG. 10, an exemplary data visualization process 1000 isdescribed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In oneor more embodiments, the data visualization process 1000 may operate ona downloadable software application (e.g., a mobile application) ornon-downloadable software application (e.g., a web-based portal). Insome embodiments, the downloadable software application ornon-downloadable software application may be operated on a computingdevice, such as a personal computer, laptop, mobile device, tablet, orother similar devices.

In various embodiments, at step 1002, after a user has downloaded thesoftware application or accessed the non-downloadable softwareapplication via a computing device, the data visualization system mayreceive or import data (e.g., an electronic file or data package) fromone or more data sources and/or one or more other systems containingproject information. In many embodiments, the data imported (e.g., anelectronic file or data package) may be in the range of about 200kilobytes to 5 megabytes (or any suitable size). As will be understoodfrom discussions herein, the file size of the data package is muchsmaller than that of a full-sized construction drawing file, allowingfor display and manipulation of the reduced size (e.g., image)construction drawing on a tablet or other computing device.

In at least one embodiment, the imported data may be in any suitableformat. In at least on embodiment, the imported data is in the form of aJSON package.

As will be understood from discussions herein, data included in the datapackage may be at least partially based on data is in the form of BIMfiles (.bim), Revit files (.rvt), CAD files, and other file formatsutilized in connection with architectural plans, blue prints, and othersimilar project plans. In at least one embodiment, the system mayconvert or compress, at a server, the imported data into a file formatthat is compatible with being used on a mobile device or tablet (e.g.,PNG/TIF formatting) because these devices may not have processing ordata storage capacity to efficiently process large electronic files. Forexample, in one or more embodiments, the system may receive a CADconstruction drawing file, and the system may convert the CADconstruction drawing file into an image of the CAD construction drawingat a server, and then transmit the image of the CAD construction drawingand associated data to the computing device.

As will be understood from discussions herein, the imported data mayinclude various construction drawing, shape, and layer data, along withother metadata. In one or more embodiments, the imported data mayinclude one or more construction drawings 102, one or more shapes, dataassociations between the one or more construction drawings 102 and theone or more shapes, and metadata associated with the one or more shapesthat correspond to one or more properties of the one or more shapes. Insome embodiments, the data associations and metadata may include, butare not limited to, labor data, cost data, materials data, projectestimation data, data for processing labor, cost, and materialscalculations for the project, and other similar data.

Additionally, in many embodiments, the data associations may alsoinclude location information for each shape of the one or more shapesassociated with a particular location on the construction drawing 102.In one embodiment, location information may include x-y coordinateinformation associated with a particular location of a particular shapeon a particular construction drawing 102 (e.g., the location of theshape on the construction drawing). In at least one embodiment, the oneor more shapes may define x-y coordinate information for theconstruction drawing 102 such that the system may accurately place theone or more shapes associated with the construction drawing 102 onto the(image of the) construction drawing 102. For example, in one embodiment,the data associations may define a corner of the construction drawing102 as point ‘0,0’ on an x-y plot, such that the x-axis and y-axis ofthe x-y plot are two edges of the construction drawing 102 and eachshape of the one or more shapes that defines the construction drawing102 has at least one x-y coordinate. In some embodiments, a shape of theone or more shapes may include a line or an area such that the x-ycoordinate information includes multiple x-y coordinates. In one or moreembodiments, the multiple x-y coordinates for each shape of the one ormore shapes that are a line or an area may be the perimeter of the lineor area that formulates each shape of the one or more shapes, such thatthe system may determine that a point within the enclosed perimeter of aparticular shape is associated with the particular shape. In at leastone embodiment, the x-y coordinate information for a particular shapemay include every x-y coordinate of the line or area of the particularshape.

In multiple embodiments, at step 1004, the data visualization system mayrender the construction drawing 102 onto a display screen in the userinterface. In various embodiments, the system renders the constructiondrawing 102 by converting the construction drawing into one or moreimage files and displaying the construction drawing 102 on a userinterface. In some embodiments, the system may scale, rotate, or add acoordinate system to the construction drawing 102 upon rendering on theuser interface. In one or more embodiments, the imported data mayinclude x-y coordinate information for the construction drawing 102,such that when the system displays the construction drawing 102, theconstruction drawing includes the x-y coordinate system. In at least oneembodiment, the user may have previously selected a particularconstruction drawing 102 from one or more construction drawings 102received by the system.

In several embodiments, at step 1006, the data visualization system mayrender one or more shapes onto the construction drawing 102 on thedisplay screen of the user interface. In some embodiments, the systemmay render each of the one or more shapes at a particular location onthe construction drawings 102 based on the received location informationfor each of the one or more shapes. In one or more embodiments, thelocation information for a particular shape may include x-y coordinatesthat correspond to a location on the construction drawing 102. In atleast one embodiment, the data visualization system may also render eachof the one or more shapes in a particular color, based on the locationinformation and other association information and metadata correspondingto each shape of the one or more shapes.

In many embodiments, the system may color in a shape based on theperimeter of the shape (as defined by the x-y coordinates associatedwith the shape). In various embodiments, the system may, in addition toutilizing the x-y coordinate information, utilize shape size information(e.g., height, length, and/or width of the shape) to color the shape.

For example, in one embodiment, a particular shape of the one or moreshapes may correspond or be associated with metadata for a particularlabor item and/or labor code (e.g., a particular layer) and a firstlocation, and the system may render the particular shape a particularcolor (e.g., blue) based on the labor item and/or labor code, and mayassign all shapes associated with the particular labor item and/or laborcode the same particular color. Continuing with the example, in multipleembodiments, a second shape of the one or more shapes may correspond toor be associated with a second location and a second labor item and/orlabor code, and the system may render the second particular shape in asecond particular color (e.g., orange). In one or more embodiments, ifthe second location is different from the first location, the secondparticular color assigned by the system to the second shape may bedifferent than the particular color assigned to the particular shape.Still continuing with the example, in many embodiments, if the secondlocation is the same as the first location (e.g., same x-y coordinates)the system may assign the particular shape and the second shape a thirdparticular color (e.g., dark blue) for when the particular shape and thesecond shape are displayed at the same time. In this example, the thirdparticular color represents that two or more shapes are located at theparticular location (e.g., multi-layered shapes) on the constructiondrawing 102.

In various embodiments, at step 1008, the data visualization system mayreceive an indication of work completed for one or more shapes renderedon the construction drawing 102. In one or more embodiments, a user mayutilize the user interface tools (e.g., cross hairs 302 or the percentdialogue window 404) to select at least one shape of the one or moreshapes (as described herein). In at least one embodiment, the system maydetermine that at least one shape of the one or more shapes is selected,and may thereafter receive a work completed input regarding an amount ofwork completed, a number of hours worked, and/or a number of workersthat performed the work.

In many embodiments, upon receiving the work completed input, the systemmay utilize one or more APIs to transmit the work completed input to oneor more servers that determine updated project information, such as butnot limited to, quantities of work completed and work remaining (inmeasurements and percentages), cost of work completed, and updateforecasted budgets for the project, including labor, materials, and costbudgets, and to transmit the updated project information back to thesystem.

In several embodiments, at step 1010, upon determining the percent ofwork completed for a particular shape, the data visualization system maymodify the particular color of a portion of the particular shape. Forexample, in one embodiment, the system may determine that 40% of thework is completed for a particular shape, and may modify the color ofthe particular shape so that 40% of the particular shape is thecompletion color (e.g., green) and the remaining 60% of the particularshape is a particular color assigned by the system at step 1006 (e.g.,orange).

Turning to FIG. 11, an architecture diagram of an exemplary datavisualization system 1100 is shown, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In various embodiments, the data visualizationsystem 1100 may include one or more networks 1102 that connect at leastone computing device 1104 to one or more servers 1112. In at least oneembodiment, the at least one computing device 1104 may be a personalcomputer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile device, or any other similardevice. In one embodiment, the at least one computing device 1104 may bethe computing device used by a user on a construction site to input workcompletion information into the system and to track the work of aproject. In many embodiments, the at least one computing device 1104 mayinclude memory 1106, one or more processors 1108, and a user interface1110. In some embodiments, the one or more servers 1112 may include oneor more databases 1114 for storing information, and one or moreprocessors 1116. In one embodiment, the one or more servers may becloud-computing servers.

In multiple embodiments, the data visualization system 1100 may includea second computing device 1118 that is connected to the at least onecomputing device 1104 and the one or more servers 1112. In one or moreembodiments, the second computing device 1118 may be a personalcomputer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile device, or any other similardevice. In some embodiments, the second computing device 1118 may be acomputing device used by a user off-site to keep track of the progressof the project (e.g., a project manager at an office getting updatesfrom the site). In at least one embodiment, the second computing device1118 may include memory 1120, one or more processors 1122, and a userinterface 1124. In one embodiment, a user may cause the at least onecomputing device 1104 to send project updates to the second computingdevice 1118 via the one or more networks 1102.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that various aspects of theprocesses described herein are software processes that execute oncomputer systems that form parts of the system. Accordingly, it will beunderstood that various embodiments of the system described herein aregenerally implemented as specially-configured computers includingvarious computer hardware components and, in many cases, significantadditional features as compared to conventional or known computers,processes, or the like, as discussed in greater detail herein.Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also includecomputer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executableinstructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readablemedia can be any available media which can be accessed by a computer, ordownloadable through communication networks. By way of example, and notlimitation, such computer-readable media can comprise various forms ofdata storage devices or media such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM,CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, solidstate drives (SSDs) or other data storage devices, any type of removablenon-volatile memories such as secure digital (SD), flash memory, memorystick, etc., or any other medium which can be used to carry or storecomputer program code in the form of computer-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a computer.

When information is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views theconnection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such a connection isproperly termed and considered a computer-readable medium. Combinationsof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, forexample, instructions and data which cause a computer to perform onespecific function or a group of functions.

Those skilled in the art will understand the features and aspects of asuitable computing environment in which aspects of the disclosure may beimplemented. Although not required, some of the embodiments of theclaimed inventions may be described in the context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules or engines, asdescribed earlier, being executed by computers in networkedenvironments. Such program modules are often reflected and illustratedby flow charts, sequence diagrams, exemplary screen displays, and othertechniques used by those skilled in the art to communicate how to makeand use such computer program modules. Generally, program modulesinclude routines, programs, functions, objects, components, datastructures, application programming interface (API) calls to othercomputers whether local or remote, etc. that perform particular tasks orimplement particular defined data types, within the computer.Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures and/orschemas, and program modules represent examples of the program code forexecuting steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequenceof such executable instructions or associated data structures representexamples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions describedin such steps.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the claimed and/ordescribed systems and methods may be practiced in network computingenvironments with many types of computer system configurations,including personal computers, smartphones, tablets, hand-held devices,multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and thelike. Embodiments of the claimed invention are practiced in distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by local and remoteprocessing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wirelesslinks, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

An exemplary system for implementing various aspects of the describedoperations, which is not illustrated, includes a computing deviceincluding a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus thatcouples various system components including the system memory to theprocessing unit. The computer will typically include one or more datastorage devices for reading data from and writing data to. The datastorage devices provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer.

Computer program code that implements the functionality described hereintypically comprises one or more program modules that may be stored on adata storage device. This program code, as is known to those skilled inthe art, usually includes an operating system, one or more applicationprograms, other program modules, and program data. A user may entercommands and information into the computer through keyboard, touchscreen, pointing device, a script containing computer program codewritten in a scripting language or other input devices (not shown), suchas a microphone, etc. These and other input devices are often connectedto the processing unit through known electrical, optical, or wirelessconnections.

The computer that effects many aspects of the described processes willtypically operate in a networked environment using logical connectionsto one or more remote computers or data sources, which are describedfurther below. Remote computers may be another personal computer, aserver, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common networknode, and typically include many or all of the elements described aboverelative to the main computer system in which the inventions areembodied. The logical connections between computers include a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), virtual networks (WAN or LAN),and wireless LANs (WLAN) that are presented here by way of example andnot limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffice-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and theInternet.

When used in a LAN or WLAN networking environment, a computer systemimplementing aspects of the invention is connected to the local networkthrough a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN or WLANnetworking environment, the computer may include a modem, a wirelesslink, or other mechanisms for establishing communications over the widearea network, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, programmodules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, may bestored in a remote data storage device. It will be appreciated that thenetwork connections described or shown are exemplary and othermechanisms of establishing communications over wide area networks or theInternet may be used.

While various aspects have been described in the context of a preferredembodiment, additional aspects, features, and methodologies of theclaimed inventions will be readily discernible from the descriptionherein, by those of ordinary skill in the art. Many embodiments andadaptations of the disclosure and claimed inventions other than thoseherein described, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements and methodologies, will be apparent from orreasonably suggested by the disclosure and the foregoing descriptionthereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the claims.Furthermore, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of variousprocesses described and claimed herein are those considered to be thebest mode contemplated for carrying out the claimed inventions. Itshould also be understood that, although steps of various processes maybe shown and described as being in a preferred sequence or temporalorder, the steps of any such processes are not limited to being carriedout in any particular sequence or order, absent a specific indication ofsuch to achieve a particular intended result. In most cases, the stepsof such processes may be carried out in a variety of different sequencesand orders, while still falling within the scope of the claimedinventions. In addition, some steps may be carried out simultaneously,contemporaneously, or in synchronization with other steps.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the claimed inventions and their practical application soas to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions andvarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the claimed inventionspertain without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, thescope of the claimed inventions is defined by the appended claims ratherthan the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments describedtherein.

We claim:
 1. A process for data visualization comprising: receiving aJavaScript Object Notation (JSON) package at a mobile electronic devicecomprising: a computer aided design (CAD) drawing in an image formatthat is converted from a CAD format for use on the mobile electronicdevice; at least one shape and x-y coordinate data associated with aparticular location of the at least one shape on the CAD drawing; andmetadata associated with the at least one shape corresponding to one ormore properties of the at least one shape, wherein the one or moreproperties of the at least one shape comprise orientation information,boundary location information, corner or line information, or acombination thereof; rendering, at the mobile electronic device, the CADdrawing image on a display screen; rendering, at the mobile electronicdevice, the at least one shape to position the at least one shape at theparticular location on the CAD drawing image in a particular color,wherein positioning the at least one shape at the particular location isbased at least in part on (i) the x-y coordinate data and (ii) themetadata associated with the at least one shape; and in response toreceiving an indication of work completed associated with the one ormore properties of at least one shape, modifying the particular color ofa portion of the at least one shape on the display screen.
 2. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein the particular color is associated with afirst layer.
 3. The process of claim 2, wherein the at least one shapeis associated with a first layer of the CAD drawing.
 4. The processclaim 3, wherein the JSON package comprises a second shape associatedwith a second layer.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the processfurther comprises rendering the second shape on the display screen. 6.The process of claim 5, wherein rendering the second shape on thedisplay screen comprises rendering the second shape in a second locationon the CAD drawing image based at least in part on second x-y coordinatedata.
 7. The process of claim 6, wherein the second location on the CADdrawing is the particular location.
 8. The process of claim 7, whereinthe process further comprises rendering the at least one shape and thesecond shape in a second color.
 9. The process of claim 8, wherein thesecond color is not the particular color.
 10. The process of claim 6,wherein the second location on the CAD drawing is different than theparticular location.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the processfurther comprises rendering the at least one shape in the particularcolor and the second shape in a second color.
 12. The process of claim1, wherein the process further comprises receiving a selection of theCAD drawing.
 13. The process of claim 1, wherein the one or moreproperties of the at least one shape comprise an amount of materials.14. A system for data visualization comprising: at least one processorof a mobile electronic device in operative communication with one ormore servers, the at least one processor configured for: receiving aJavaScript Object Notation (JSON) package at the mobile electronicdevice from the one or more servers, the JSON package comprising: acomputer aided design (CAD) drawing in an image format that is convertedfrom a CAD format for use on the mobile electronic device; at least oneshape and x-y coordinate data associated with a particular location ofthe at least one shape one the CAD drawing; and metadata associated withthe at least one shape corresponding to one or more properties of the atleast one shape, wherein the one or more properties of the at least oneshape comprise orientation information, boundary location information,corner or line information, or a combination thereof; rendering, at themobile electronic device, the CAD drawing image on a display screen;rendering, at the mobile electronic device, the at least one shape toposition the at least one shape at the particular location on the CADdrawing image in a particular color, wherein positioning the at leastone shape at the particular location is based at least in part on (i)the x-y coordinate data and (ii) the metadata associated with the atleast one shape; and in response to receiving an indication of workcompleted associated with the one or more properties of at least oneshape, modifying the particular color of a portion of the at least oneshape on the display screen.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein theparticular color is associated with a first layer.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one shape is associated with a firstlayer of the CAD drawing.
 17. The system claim 16, wherein the JSONpackage comprises a second shape associated with a second layer.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the process further comprises rendering thesecond shape on the display screen.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinrendering the second shape on the display screen comprises rendering thesecond shape in a second location on the CAD drawing image based atleast in part on second x-y coordinate data.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein: the second location on the CAD drawing is the particularlocation; the process further comprises rendering the at least one shapeand the second shape in a second color; and the second color is not theparticular color.